How to Make the Perfect Homemade Udon Noodle Soup
Japanese · Easy · 30 min · 2 servings
Udon noodle soup is a warming Japanese classic featuring thick chewy wheat noodles served in a delicate dashi broth seasoned with soy sauce and mirin. It is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that can be topped with green onions, tempura, or a soft boiled egg.
Why this recipe works
This Homemade Udon Noodle Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 g dried udon noodles
- 4 cups dashi stock
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 whole green onions sliced
- 1 sheet nori seaweed cut into strips
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles
Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil. Add udon noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes for dried noodles, until tender and chewy. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess starch then set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
Pour dashi stock into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in soy sauce and mirin and taste the broth, adjusting seasoning as needed. Do not let the broth boil vigorously as this can make it cloudy and bitter.
Step 3: Combine Noodles and Broth
Divide the cooked udon noodles between two deep serving bowls. Ladle the hot seasoned dashi broth over the noodles until they are fully submerged. The heat of the broth will warm the noodles through immediately without any additional cooking needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top each bowl with sliced green onions and strips of nori seaweed arranged attractively on top. Serve immediately while the broth is piping hot. Add a soft boiled egg, fish cake, or tempura as additional toppings if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dashi stock → vegetable broth mixed with a sheet of kombu seaweed for a vegetarian friendly version
- dried udon noodles → fresh udon noodles which cook in just 2 to 3 minutes and have an even chewier texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the broth too aggressively which makes it turn cloudy and alters the delicate flavor
- Rinsing udon noodles under hot water instead of cold which causes them to continue cooking and become mushy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 14g protein, 62g carbs, 6g fat, 3g fiber.
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